The Power of Self-Help Group in Hebei Project
What kinds of activities do the Self-help Groups (SHG) have in a Heifer's project? Do members just get together for meeting or practicing some traditional dancing? Shanghuofang Community SHG can give a clear answer to these questions. It illustrates the power of a SHG.
The first SHG of Shanghuofang Community formed by 15 recipient families is located in Danangou, Hebei. The Group was further divided into three "Animal Raising Groups". They built three barns with a total area of 500 square meters. The village is located in a remote area. Their need for drinking water supply was marginally fulfilled. If the population of cattle was to grow in the community, they could hardly have enough water to feed the livestock. If there was no existing solution to the problem, how could they think about future development? The SHG had a few meetings to discuss this problem. Finally, they decided to build a well to provide a long-term source of water for livestock. Under the leadership of a few SHG leaders, the first SHG gathered RMB10,000 to build a 25-meter deep well next to the animal raising zone. In June 2010, the well was ready and the villagers finally felt relieved when they saw running water from the water pump. They no longer had any worries about raising cattle and could focus on the development of animal husbandry.
Jiang Yanli was the member of the 4th SHG in Shanghuofang Community. Since divorced, he has lived with his parents and son and the whole family relied on him for a living. He could not work in the city as he had to take care his family. With no skill, he never dreamt of having a chance to improve his living conditions. His house was built 20 years ago. Due to the technology in the past and the geographical location, his house was unsafe for living. He had a dream to rebuild his house. However, after purchasing the materials, he had no money to hire any labour. After learning the situation of Jiang, SHG members decided to lend a helping hand. In May 2010, a SHG leader led about 10 project recipients to help Jiang. Without receiving a penny and complaining, they worked hard for a whole day to rebuild the house for Jiang.
The power from a group is always stronger than an individual. From the example of Shanghuofang Community SHG, it shows that the power of love and friendship is even stronger.